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Sustainability Benefits and Challenges of Inter-Organizational Collaboration in Bio-Based Business: A Systematic Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Gohar Nuhoff-Isakhanyan

    (Management Studies, Social Sciences Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, The Netherlands
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Emiel F.M. Wubben

    (Management Studies, Social Sciences Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, The Netherlands
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • S.W.F. Omta

    (Management Studies, Social Sciences Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, The Netherlands
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Bio-based businesses are often considered to be sustainable. However, they are also linked to sustainability challenges such as deforestation and soil erosion. Encouraged to exploit innovative solutions and enhance sustainability, organizations engaged in bio-based activities extensively explore collaboration possibilities with external partners. The objective of this paper is to integrate the available knowledge on sustainability of inter-organisational collaborations in bio-based businesses, while considering the three aspects of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. We collected data from three academic sources—Web of Science, Scopus, and EconLit—and conducted a systematic literature review. The results show the importance of geographical proximity and complementarity in creating sustainability benefits such as reduced emissions, reduced waste, economic synergies, and socio-economic activities. Based on the findings, we have developed a framework that illustrates sustainability benefits and challenges. Interestingly, the studies emphasize sustainability benefits more in emerging than in industrialised economies, especially relating to the social aspects of sustainability. In conclusion, although the scholars have not discussed mitigation of several sustainability challenges in bio-based businesses, such as land use conflicts, they have found evidence of vital sustainability benefits, such as energy availability, lower emissions, improved socio-economic life, and poverty reduction, which are essential in emerging economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Gohar Nuhoff-Isakhanyan & Emiel F.M. Wubben & S.W.F. Omta, 2016. "Sustainability Benefits and Challenges of Inter-Organizational Collaboration in Bio-Based Business: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:4:p:307-:d:66620
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Verónica León-Bravo & Federico Caniato & Maria Caridi & Thomas Johnsen, 2017. "Collaboration for Sustainability in the Food Supply Chain: A Multi-Stage Study in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-21, July.
    2. Mateusz Naramski & Adam R. Szromek, 2019. "Configuring a Trust-based Inter-organizational Cooperation Network for Post-industrial Tourist Organizations on a Tourist Route," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-20, June.
    3. Tae-Hwan Yoon & Saerom Wang, 2023. "How Important Is Stakeholder Collaboration in the MICE Industry: Antecedents and Outcomes of Supply Chain Integration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-19, October.
    4. Shuai Yang & Yiping Song & Siliang Tong, 2017. "Sustainable Retailing in the Fashion Industry: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-19, July.
    5. Susana G. Azevedo & Minelle E. Silva & João C. O. Matias & Gustavo P. Dias, 2018. "The Influence of Collaboration Initiatives on the Sustainability of the Cashew Supply Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-29, June.
    6. Wiśniewska-Paluszak, Joanna A. & Paluszak, Grzegorz T., 2018. "The Features and Categorization of Agribusiness Networks on the Example of the Polish Fruit and Vegetable Industry Enterprises," 2018 International European Forum (163rd EAAE Seminar), February 5-9, 2018, Innsbruck-Igls, Austria 276858, International European Forum on System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks.
    7. Tulin Dzhengiz, 2018. "The Relationship of Organisational Value Frames with the Configuration of Alliance Portfolios: Cases from Electricity Utilities in Great Britain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-29, November.
    8. Usama Awan & Andrzej Kraslawski & Janne Huiskonen, 2018. "Governing Interfirm Relationships for Social Sustainability: The Relationship between Governance Mechanisms, Sustainable Collaboration, and Cultural Intelligence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-20, November.
    9. Hakan Karaosman & Gustavo Morales-Alonso & Alessandro Brun, 2016. "From a Systematic Literature Review to a Classification Framework: Sustainability Integration in Fashion Operations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-19, December.
    10. Veronica S Ülgen & Maria Björklund & Niklas Simm & Helena Forslund, 2019. "Inter-Organizational Supply Chain Interaction for Sustainability: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-25, October.

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